By Ademola Ade
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has pledged sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development across Remoland, assuring residents of Isara-Remo that a legacy hospital will be established in the community.
The governor also urged the incoming administration to sustain ongoing development programmes, warning that political succession must not derail the state’s progress.
Abiodun spoke on Saturday at the 57th Afotamodi Day Festival in Isara-Remo, where the Odemo of Isara-Remo, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, announced a ₦600 million fundraising target for the reconstruction of the community’s palace.
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the governor described the annual festival as an enduring symbol of the history, identity and collective aspirations of the Isara people.
“For 57 years, this festival has remained a powerful symbol of the history, values, traditions and collective identity of the Isara people,” he said.
Abiodun said his administration remained committed to bridging infrastructure gaps, improving transportation networks, strengthening primary healthcare and expanding educational opportunities.
He described the proposed legacy hospital in Isara-Remo as a strategic investment that would improve access to quality healthcare, create employment and provide lasting benefits for the community.
The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts in skills acquisition, youth empowerment and agricultural development, saying the government’s development agenda was designed to improve living standards and expand economic opportunities.
He urged the incoming administration to build on existing achievements rather than abandon ongoing projects.
“Development must be a continuous process, and the progress of Ogun State must never be sacrificed on the altar of political succession,” he said.
On the palace reconstruction project, Abiodun commended the traditional institution, Afotamodi Planning Committee and other stakeholders for the initiative, urging Isara indigenes at home and abroad to support the ₦600 million target.
He noted that the palace represented more than a physical structure, describing it as a symbol of traditional authority, cultural continuity and communal dignity.
In his address, Oba Ogunbayo described the reconstruction project as a collective responsibility, calling on community associations, corporate organisations, business leaders and indigenes in the diaspora to contribute towards its completion.
“For generations, the Odemo’s Palace has symbolised our heritage. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a befitting palace that reflects the dignity of our traditional institution and the rich history of Isara-Remo,” the monarch said.
Beyond the cultural project, the traditional ruler highlighted security interventions since his emergence, disclosing that about 42 tactical and specialist police personnel had been deployed to the community following engagements with relevant security authorities.
He also said efforts were ongoing to establish a Nigeria Police Force Area Command headquarters in Isara-Remo to strengthen security coordination and improve emergency response.
Referring to security challenges in neighbouring communities, particularly the attack on Atoba Village in Orile-Oko, the monarch said he had engaged relevant authorities to support efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and strengthen patrols along vulnerable routes.
He acknowledged the Ogunbayo Family for providing temporary accommodation for the police command and the Daramola Dynasty Foundation for supporting plans to construct a permanent facility.
The monarch also commended local organisations for donating patrol vehicles and security equipment, particularly four quarry companies which jointly contributed ₦65 million towards security and community development initiatives.
“These efforts demonstrate what responsible leadership, community participation and strategic partnerships can achieve,” he said.
On economic development, Oba Ogunbayo disclosed that three companies had been attracted to Isara-Remo and had commenced land-clearing activities on properties acquired from the Ogun State Government under the Isara Industrial Cluster II Scheme along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He said the investments were expected to stimulate economic activities, create employment and open opportunities for youths, artisans and traders.
The monarch further disclosed that plans were underway to develop a multipurpose market near the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to provide commercial opportunities for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and other business operators.
He reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the state government, investors and community stakeholders to position Isara-Remo as a destination for productive investments and sustainable economic growth.
Also speaking, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, urged indigenes to prioritise unity and commit their resources and influence to the development of their communities.
He said rapid development could only be achieved when residents complemented government efforts to improve living conditions.
Dignitaries at the event included Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the 2027 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu; Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes, Adetola Emmanuel King; and the Onirolu of Irolu-Remo, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga, among others.
